Fresh off an encouraging victory last weekend, Orlando City (4-3-8, 20 points) heads to the Lone Star State for a match-up with Supporters' Shield contenders FC Dallas (9-5-4, 31 points). A five-game unbeaten streak has elevated Orlando back into the Eastern Conference playoff race, but all that mid-season optimism could go out the window if the Lions fall flat on Independence Day.
Both clubs will be playing on short rest after U.S. Open Cup games in the midweek, but there's reason to believe the quick turnaround could benefit Orlando. While the Lions fielded plenty of bench players and USL call-ups in a loss to the Ft.